Brazil facing worst drought in nearly 100 years as officials issue emergency warning

Ministry warns dry spell is expected to continue for months in southeast and midwest region

Brazil suffered a severe drought in 2017 (seen here in the northeastern state of Ceara) that damaged coffee and soy crops and led to energy and water rationing (AFP/Getty)

Brazil is facing its worst drought in more than 90 years, sparking fears of energy shortages from its large hydroelectricity industry and an increased risk of fires in the Amazon rainforest.

The country’s Electricity Sector Monitoring Committee (CMSE) said on Thursday that water regulator ANA should recognise a situation of “water scarcity” in the Paraná River Basin following a prolonged drought in central and southern parts of Brazil.

“As highlighted by the National Electricity System Operator, in May 2021, significant values ​​of precipitation were not observed, typical behaviour of the dry season, a condition that should continue in the coming months, especially in the southeast/midwest region,” the CMSE said in a statement.